THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA, PRESS AND MEDIA DEPARTMENT

www.president.mn

2017-12-01

President Battulga wishes persons with disabilities to voice their opinions for decisionmaking

At the initiative of President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga and in anticipation of the World Disabled Day, an open discussion themed “Implementation and Challenges of the Law on the Rights of the Disabled” was held in the Citizen’s Chamber of the State Palace on November 30.

The President attended the discussion and delivered a speech, expressing his position on the given agenda.
Ms. D.Uuriintuya, Human Development and Social Policy Advisor to the President, said in the opening speech, “This year’s World Disabled Day is being observed under the theme ‘Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all’.”

The discussion aimed at identifying problems and potential solutions, and providing guidance for affiliated ministers and government agencies on improving implementation of the Law on the Rights of the Disabled.

The Presidential Advisor informed in her speech that some 80 representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sport, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Construction and Urban Development, Ministry of Road and Transport Development and NGOs that operate for protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

The President stressed in his speech that he wish to collaborate with the disabled on facilitating favorable environment for disabled citziens, children and young people to have access to decent education and working environments and quality services, as well as to have opportunities of involvement in all fields of activities.

“Passing of the Law on the Rights of the Disabled, in February 2016, is considered an accomplishment. The Law complies with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which Mongolia is a party. I believe it would be more effective if the Government cooperates with NGOs and academic institutions as a team for protection of the disabled’s rights.

According to statistics, persons with disabilities make up for 4.0 percent of the population; poverty level among the disabled is twice as much as that among other households; 70 percent of the disabled are unemployed, half of the disabled children of ages between 6 and 18 do not attend school and are illiterate, and 64 percent of the disabled children of ages between 3 and 5 are unable to receive pre-school education,” he said.

The President also informed the gathered that Ulaanbaatar is set to host the IV Asia-Pacific Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Congress in 2019, with an aim to learn from the practices of regional countries that succeeded in solving challenges of their disabled communities.

“I also have friends with disabilities. Their opinion is very important for me. I wish You to voice your opinions, as well,” said the head of state and wished success to the discussion participants.